In this Issue…
– COVID-19 Updates
– Information from the Supreme Court of Georgia
– Georgia Legal Food Frenzy: Register Now!
– Help Identify Legal Services Delivery Issues Associated with COVID-19
– Georgia Bar Journal: April 2020
– 2020 Legislative Session
– Local and Voluntary Bar Activities Awards
– Wellness Corner
– Free Fastcase Research Offered Through the State Bar
April 29, 2020
COVID-19 UPDATES
While the State Bar offices are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be updating this page [ www.gabar.org ] with important information from the Bar and from our courts, as well as helpful resources for our members and the public.
INFORMATION FROM THE SUPREME COURT OF GEORGIA
On March 14, 2020, Chief Justice Harold Melton issued an order declaring a statewide judicial emergency, which has been extended until May 13, 2020. Read the extended order [ www.gasupreme.us ] .
In response to the chief justice’s declaration of a statewide judicial emergency, the Supreme Court of Georgia suspended filing deadlines until 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2020, and has made statements on other items of note. Read more here [ www.gasupreme.us ] .
GEORGIA LEGAL FOOD FRENZY | REGISTER NOW!
The Georgia Legal Food Frenzy is a two-week food and fund drive competition done in partnership with the Georgia Attorney General, the State Bar and YLD, and the Georgia Food Bank Association.
The Food Frenzy has already raised more than $440,000 of its $450,000 goal! The competition ends this Friday, May 1, at 11:59 p.m., and you can still register, donate and make a difference in your community! Register here [ galegalfoodfrenzy.org ] .
HELP IDENTIFY LEGAL SERVICES DELIVERY ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19
The State Bar of Georgia has established a special committee to help identify issues related to the delivery of legal services during the public health emergency associated with the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Visit the website [ www.gabar.org ] and use the online form [ form.jotform.com ] to identify legal service delivery issues that you have become aware of in relation to COVID-19.
GEORGIA BAR JOURNAL | APRIL 2020
The April 2020 issue of the G eorgia Bar Journal is available online [ digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com ] . Some of the highlights include:
– From the President: “In the Face of Difficulty, Hope Can Be Found” [ digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com ] by Darrell Sutton
– From the YLD President: “Why Diversity Matters in the Legal Profession” [ digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com ] by Will Davis
– From the Executive Director: “Aaron Buchsbaum: An Example of What Human Beings Should Be” [ digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com ] by Jeff Davis
– “The Perils of Guardian ad Litem Appointments” [ digitaleditions.walsworthprintgroup.com ] by Rachel A. Elovitz
Visit the website [ www.gabar.org ] to start browsing the newest issue of the Georgia Bar Journal .
2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Throughout the legislative session, please visit the Legislative Program [ www.gabar.org ] page for a complete summary of Bar proposals, other legislative items of interest, a weekly email update and information on how to contact the State Bar’s legislative consultants who are working for you each day under the Gold Dome. Our goal is to keep our members up to date on the ways that the Bar is advocating for you and your practice.
LOCAL AND VOLUNTARY BAR ACTIVITIES AWARDS
The deadline for this year’s Local and Voluntary Bar Activities Awards has been extended to July 31, so you will have more time to compile photos, news clippings, programs, flyers, etc., for scrapbooks and exhibits. The awards presentation will also be rescheduled for a later date as the situation permits.
Click here [ www.gabar.org ] for more information regarding the guidelines and submission process. If you have questions, contact Ashley Stollar at 404-527-8792 or ashleys@gabar.org [ mailto:ashleys@gabar.org ] .
WELLNESS CORNER
During these unprecedented times, you may be facing increased levels of stress, anxiety or depression. If you need to talk to someone, here is what happens when you call the LAP Hotline (800-327-9631):
– Your call will be answered 24/7 by a trained counselor who will ask for your information, but you are not required to provide it. Any information you do provide is kept strictly confidential.
– You will then be able to explain your need to the counselor, who will then refer you to professional counselors in an area convenient for you. If you call after hours, you will receive a call back within 24 hours with referrals.
– If you decide that you aren’t connecting as well as you’d like with your counselor, you can call the LAP Hotline again and be referred to another professional. The goal is for you to find someone with whom you feel comfortable.
For more information, please visit the LAP page [ www.gabar.org ] .
FREE FASTCASE RESEARCH OFFERED THROUGH THE STATE BAR
Free online legal research is available to all Bar members. Learn how to effectively use and navigate Fastcase. In-person sessions are currently cancelled, but you may still sign up for a webinar hosted by Fastcase. Visit the website [ www.fastcase.com ] for more information.
State Bar of Georgia
104 Marietta St. NW, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303-2743
Phone – 404-527-8700 Fax – 404-527-8717